Tonga prepares for king's funeral
- 12 years ago
The people of Tonga are preparing for the funeral of King George Tupou V, who died last Sunday in Hong Kong.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) TONGAN MOURNER LONI OKUS SAYING:
"It is a big shock to us, all the Tongans, because we are not expecting our king to pass away."
Residents hang royal purple and black drapes, as a mark of respect.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER ALL BLACKS PLAYER ISITOLA MAKA SAYING:
"I think he's a great man and he's a big loss to the Royal Family and the whole country."
The king will be buried at the royal tombs in the capital, where monarchs have been interred for more than 140 years.
Travis Brecher, Reuters
(SOUNDBITE) (English) TONGAN MOURNER LONI OKUS SAYING:
"It is a big shock to us, all the Tongans, because we are not expecting our king to pass away."
Residents hang royal purple and black drapes, as a mark of respect.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER ALL BLACKS PLAYER ISITOLA MAKA SAYING:
"I think he's a great man and he's a big loss to the Royal Family and the whole country."
The king will be buried at the royal tombs in the capital, where monarchs have been interred for more than 140 years.
Travis Brecher, Reuters